April 11, 2025 EDition
April 11, 2025 EDition
Embedded Files
Ralston Valley is looking for an experienced individual to join our Construction in Geometry team! We are seeking a candidate with a passion for student-centered learning who is able to balance strong relationships with authentic and rigorous project-based learning experiences. This person will work closely with the geometry teacher to integrate geometry into building/construction projects to demonstrate the combined learning of geometry and construction. Applicant must have a commitment to professional growth, a team-first mindset, and be able to collaboratively work with colleagues as a member of the Contextual Learning Team, the Career Tech Ed team, and the Math department. This candidate does not need a teaching license. They will need to obtain a Secondary CTE Architecture and Construction license. This position is open on the Jeffco Schools job board, for more information, call 303-982-5600.
Prom Parking Information
Students can park in the Aquarium Lot. At the kiosk, touch the bottom left-hand corner marked, "Alternate options". Enter in the four-digit code, 0419, which allows you to enter in and out of the lot at no charge on the night of April 19th for Prom 2025.
Call for Volunteers: Baccalaureate Planning Committee
We need volunteers interested in planning this ceremony.
Baccalaureate refers to a non-denominational ceremony held a few days before graduation. Unlike the massive commencement exercise held in an arena, baccalaureate ceremonies offer a quieter, more intimate opportunity to pause and reflect on this rite of passage, hear a keynote speaker, and appreciate other student talents. A faculty member and student speakers offer advice to the graduating class.
Please complete and submit this form as soon as possible to volunteer in support of a Baccalaureate ceremony for the Class of 2025.
Senior Scholarship and Awards Ceremony
SENIOR Parents and Graduates!!
It is time for senior students to start gathering up their scholarship information so that they can be recognized at our Senior Scholarships and Awards Night on May 15th at 6:30 pm.
Students can use this link to submit academic scholarships (one at a time) and the required supporting documentation (must be logged in to their school Google account).
Please submit up to seven scholarships NO LATER THAN APRIL 30th.
*Athletic scholarships and awards will be recognized at a separate event on May 12th.
View Invitation and the link to the RSVP (required, by May 9th).
SAT and PSAT Standardized Testing
SAT and PSAT Standardized Testing
Upcoming Spring Testing schedule:
Tuesday, April 15th
SAT Test for Juniors
Only 11th graders attend this day
Wednesday, April 16th
PSAT 10 for Sophomores
PSAT 8/9 for Freshmen
Only 9th and 10th graders attend this day
Students should arrive at 8:00 a.m. with their fully-charged, school-issued Chromebook and testing will conclude around 11:00 a.m. for standard testing rooms. Students in testing rooms with extended time accommodations will be released later. Buses will run as normal on this day and lunch will be served. Any students who remain on campus after they have completed testing will be supervised in the gymnasium until dismissal at 3:30 p.m.
You can RSVP at the link below:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1l51jSuc0g6M8UmrPNuWSnGXRuIWOulUCdcmi8EhD9IM/edit?pli=1
Sponsor Partnerships
Sponsor Partnerships
Advertise your business with us! We have digital and static signage options available within a variety of sponsorship packages on our new video board in the gym. Your business logo will be displayed digitally during our home athletic contests and other events in the gym for the community and guests to see. Please reach out to Mike Ackerman or Tony Pergola for more information.
Pre-Arranged Absences
Pre-Arranged Absences
In accordance with district policy, absences of one or more days require a Pre-Arranged Absence Form . Criteria for approved absences are listed on the form, and printed copies are available in the attendance office.
Parking Information
Parking Information
Additional sophomore parking tags for the North (dirt) Lot are now available on a limited basis. Parents/guardians must fill out this Parking Information Form first, then the fee will then be placed on their school account. Once the form has been filled out and the fee paid, including all other fines and fees, students can pick up their parking tag from the Security Office.
Sophomores with a parking tag, please be reminded that you cannot park in the senior/junior lots, you must only park in the North Lot off of Alkire St.
Any student who wishes to park their vehicle in the RVHS student parking lots must have a parking tag. All school registration requirements must be met before obtaining a parking tag, including any fees and fines paid.
All 11th and 12th graders who have already purchased a parking tag for the main student lot can pick it up in the Finance Office. Tickets will be issued for those who do not have the appropriate parking tag. If there are no parking spaces available when they arrive, they should park in the overflow lot off of Alkire St. They cannot park illegally.
All students who park illegally or in the incorrect lot will be ticketed. Tickets must be paid in a timely manner so students can retain their parking tag.
At this time, we are sold out of parking tags for the junior/senior lot. 11th and 12th graders can fill out this FORM to be placed on a waitlist.
All concerns regarding parking passes should be addressed with campus supervisors.
Drop Off and Pick Up
Drop Off and Pick Up
It is a great time to remind everyone to be thoughtful of our neighbors and student body during drop off and pick up. We must keep the right of way clear for emergency vehicles and through traffic. With only one road to enter and exit a building this size, with this many people, the roads at the school will always be congested. There are a few things we can do as a Ralston Valley community to help make these busy times of day run as smoothly as possible.
Main Entrance - Dismissal is at 3:30 p.m. and we ask that you do not arrive to pick up your student and park in the loop before 3:00 p.m. Please be sure to pull as far forward as you can in the loop at the front of the school when dropping off or picking up your student. This helps to alleviate backups in the roundabout and get as many cars off of 80th Ave. as quickly as possible. Also, please pick up your student on the outside of the loop, not the inside. We do not want students passing in between cars as this is not safe.
Student Parking Lot - To keep our students safe, please do not park in our student parking lot while you wait to pick up your student(s) after school.
Roundabout - The roundabout is part of the road. Please do not park in the roundabout while waiting for dismissal time. This blocks the flow of eastbound traffic and prevents traffic exiting to the east from leaving campus as well. Please do not stop and pick up your student in the roundabout or on 80th Ave.
Fire Station - As traffic backs up on southbound Alkire, please be sure to leave room for our first responders to exit the firehouse safely and without obstruction. Do not block the exit of their garage.
82nd Ave. - Please pay attention to posted road signs along 82nd Ave. There are multiple speedbumps on 82nd Ave., making it necessary to go the speed limit or slower to ensure safe driving and prevent damage to your vehicle. There are also multiple No Parking signs along 82nd Ave. next to the school's property. Please do not park there to pick up your student. Finally, and most importantly, please do not park across the street and ask for your student to run across 80th Ave. to be picked up. This is highly dangerous!
Thank you for your continued diligence when driving in and around Ralston Valley.
activities
activities
Congratulations to Pragna Yalavarthy on receiving the National Speech and Debate Association's prestigious Academic All-American Award! This highly selective honor recognizes an exceptional combination of academic excellence, competitive success in speech and debate, and personal excellence. Fewer than 1% of the NSDA’s 141,000 student members earn this distinction each year—making Pragna’s achievement truly extraordinary.
Well done, Pragna!
PTSA Scholarship
Calling all Seniors! The RVHS PTSA is offering a scholarship opportunity for those seniors who meet the following guidelines:
1. Graduating senior who has earned at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA and who is planning to continue his/her education at a post-secondary institution.
2. Attending RVHS for both semesters as a full-time student during his/her senior year.
3. Student is a current member of PTSA (note: you can still join for $15 online or in the Finance Office).
A total of $3,000 will be awarded to the top applicants. After reviewing the applications and interviewing selected applicants, the RVHS PTSA will determine the number of scholarships and the amounts to be awarded (for example, two $1,000 awards and two $500 awards OR any other combination for a total of $3,000). To apply, please go to the RVHS PTSA website.
Applications are due to the front office by Friday, April 11th, 2025. Interviews for selected finalists may occur in early May 2025. Announcements will be made before the scholarship and awards program on May 12, 2025. If you have any questions, you may contact Melissa Cole, PTSA Scholarship Chair, at Melissa.Dowling@ymail.com. Good luck to all our applicants!
25th Anniversary Celebration - Planning Committee
Next Meeting: Thursday, May 8th at 6:30 p.m.
It's hard to believe but Ralston Valley High School will celebrate its 25th Anniversary this year! This significant milestone is a time to reflect on our achievements, honor our history and celebrate the continued growth and promise of our school community, including our current and future Mustangs!
We would like to extend an invitation to all members of our school community -- students, parents, current and former teachers, staff, and administration, and alumni- as well as our surrounding community, to join in planning this celebration. We believe that everyone’s ideas and input will help make this celebration truly special.
We look forward to seeing you there and hearing your ideas! Please reach out to mike.ackerman@jeffco.k12.co.us with any questions.
athletics
athletics
Girls Golf - Another strong showing this week by the golf team. At Fox Hollow, Addie Hines shot a 68. Taylor Redman and Hailey Rabbit both pitched in 84s. The Mustangs are firmly in second place for 5A Jeffco behind Valor.
Girls Soccer - Ralston Valley had a strong week going 1-0-1. They tied an always tough Broomfield program early in the week and then kicked off league play with a dominant 3-0 victory over Lakewood.
Boys Swim and Dive - The Mustangs went low on Saturday at the Jeffco League Relays to come out on top and win the meet by over 40 points. Huge shout out to Caden Pride, Zane Roberts, Sean Tracy, and Robbie Frie on setting a new school record in the 200 breast stroke relay. Good luck this weekend at VMAC.
Girls Lacrosse - The girls are ranked in the top ten for the first time in a long time. They have a big trio of games this weekend with Fairview, Palmer Ridge, and Cherokee Trail to try and improve that ranking. Under first year head coach, Liv Troy, the Mustangs are off to a great start. Keep it up.
Boys Lacrosse - The Mustangs are 6-1 after winning two games this week. On Monday, Senior Connor McLaughlin scored his third goal of the game with two seconds left to secure a 6-5 victory over Denver South. Wednesday saw a late surge from Lakewood to make the game close but Ralston Valley held on to win 13-11. Tonight is the always dangerous Poudre District All Stars at NAAC.
Track and Field - The weather won last weekend's track meets. This week at the Freshman Championships, the Mustangs brought home first place honors from Ryan Wassmer (discus), David Pavlich (long jump), Mathias Waldroff (200 M) and the relay team of Bailee Cummin, Brynna Hettick, Stella Yannett, and Suzette Mayer won the 4x100.
Baseball - The Mustangs have won three straight after taking down Fairview (3-0), ThunderRidge (7-5), and Bear Creek (14-3) this week. They still have one more to play when they welcome Bear Creek to Nate Journey Field tomorrow at 11:00 a.m.
Girls Tennis - The defending champs are back in firm control of Jeffco 5A. They started the week with 7-0 victories over both Cheyenne Mountain and Chatfield. They finished the week with a 6-1 victory over Valor last night. They remain undefeated in duals this season and are looking forward to a strong April ahead of State in May.
Ticketing has moved to GoFan for all Jeffco-hosted events. - Ticket sales to all Jeffco events are now available through GoFan. Cash is no longer accepted at the gates for admittance. You are encouraged to download the GoFan App to help you purchase tickets ahead of time for all home events. This will save you a ton of time at the gate. You can also purchase multiple tickets that are good for the rest of the school year by purchasing a punch pass. Punch passes are good for all Jeffco events, and will save you some money.
CLICK HERE to learn more about the new online ticketing system.
off campus policy
off campus policy
Due to the nature of our campus, we do not allow any students to walk off campus during the school day.
9th-grade students are not allowed off campus at any point during the school day unless they leave with their parents/guardians.
If your 10th-grade student is driving, they may leave campus with parental permission. They are expected to follow local and state driving laws. Please click on this FORM to give your sophomore child the ability to leave campus with your permission.
Our campus is not closed to our 11th and 12th grade students and they may leave campus.
Schedule for The week
Schedule for The week
Monday, Apr 14 - Silver Day
Tuesday, Apr. 15 - SAT Testing - only 11th grade students attend
Wednesday, Apr. 16 - PSAT Testing - only 9th and 10th grade students attend
Thursday, Apr. 17 - White Day
Friday, Apr. 18 - Blue Day
Counseling Department
Counseling Department
Mustang Mentor Program (MMP) Application Now Open!
Mustang Mentor Program (MMP) Application Now Open!
Current 10th and 11th graders are encouraged to apply to be a mentor for next year's 9th graders! The Mustang Mentor Program is an excellent opportunity to hone leadership skills and be a positive influence at RV and in other students' lives. Students can click here to access the application - they will need to be signed in to their Jeffco Google account.
Current 10th and 11th graders are encouraged to apply to be a mentor for next year's 9th graders! The Mustang Mentor Program is an excellent opportunity to hone leadership skills and be a positive influence at RV and in other students' lives. Students can click here to access the application - they will need to be signed in to their Jeffco Google account.
Upcoming College Visits
Upcoming College Visits
Representatives from the following colleges will be in the RVHS Counseling Office on these dates and times:
Representatives from the following colleges will be in the RVHS Counseling Office on these dates and times:
Colorado State University - Thursday, Apr. 17 - 8:15 a.m.
Outdoor Lab Internship
Outdoor Lab Internship
Mt. Blue Sky Outdoor Lab is accepting applications for student interns for next year. The internship is for a full year and is open to seniors who are interested in taking a gap year and current juniors. Click here for more information and instructions on how to apply.
Mt. Blue Sky Outdoor Lab is accepting applications for student interns for next year. The internship is for a full year and is open to seniors who are interested in taking a gap year and current juniors. Click here for more information and instructions on how to apply.
Red Rocks Community College Open House
Red Rocks Community College Open House
Red Rocks - Lakewood Campus is hosting an Open House for potential students AND to assist current seniors with FAFSA completion and post-secondary planning. There will be a Q&A session and the opportunity to meet with faculty along with demonstrations and prizes.
Red Rocks - Lakewood Campus is hosting an Open House for potential students AND to assist current seniors with FAFSA completion and post-secondary planning. There will be a Q&A session and the opportunity to meet with faculty along with demonstrations and prizes.
Date: Thursday, April 24, 2025
Time: 4:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Colorado Boys State for Junior Boys
Colorado Boys State for Junior Boys
Colorado Boys State is a week-long authentic civics experience sponsored by the American Legion. The program is open to males who will have completed their junior year of high school. Attendees will learn about city, county, and state government through a non-partisan objective education approach. The program is June 1-7, 2025 at Northeastern Junior College in Sterling, CO. Applications are due May 1, 2025. for more information and to apply, click here.
Colorado Boys State is a week-long authentic civics experience sponsored by the American Legion. The program is open to males who will have completed their junior year of high school. Attendees will learn about city, county, and state government through a non-partisan objective education approach. The program is June 1-7, 2025 at Northeastern Junior College in Sterling, CO. Applications are due May 1, 2025. for more information and to apply, click here.
Colorado Girls State for Junior Girls
Colorado Girls State for Junior Girls
Colorado Girls State is a week-long civic engagement program sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary. The program is open to females who will have completed their junior year of high school. Attendees will recreate city, county, and state governments through electing leaders and write, debate, and pass laws that are relevant and timely. The program is June 9-15, 2025 at Northeastern Junior College in Sterling, CO. Applications are due May 1, 2025. Click here for more information and to apply.
Colorado Girls State is a week-long civic engagement program sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary. The program is open to females who will have completed their junior year of high school. Attendees will recreate city, county, and state governments through electing leaders and write, debate, and pass laws that are relevant and timely. The program is June 9-15, 2025 at Northeastern Junior College in Sterling, CO. Applications are due May 1, 2025. Click here for more information and to apply.
Jeffco Administrators Association (JCAA) Scholarship
Jeffco Administrators Association (JCAA) Scholarship
The JCAA is offering two $1,000 scholarships to graduating Jeffco seniors who have demonstrated leadership, advocacy, and action in creating welcoming and inclusive communities. The scholarship may be used at any two- or four-year college or university or technical/trade school. Click here for the application. The deadline to apply is Monday, April 21, 2025.
The JCAA is offering two $1,000 scholarships to graduating Jeffco seniors who have demonstrated leadership, advocacy, and action in creating welcoming and inclusive communities. The scholarship may be used at any two- or four-year college or university or technical/trade school. Click here for the application. The deadline to apply is Monday, April 21, 2025.
Three Creeks PTO Scholarship
Three Creeks PTO Scholarship
Three Creeks PTO is offering scholarships of up to $2,000 towards tuition at any college, technical school, or postsecondary training program. Applicants must have attended Three Creeks for at least one year. Click here for more informaton and a link to the application. The deadline to apply is Monday, April 21, 2025.
Three Creeks PTO is offering scholarships of up to $2,000 towards tuition at any college, technical school, or postsecondary training program. Applicants must have attended Three Creeks for at least one year. Click here for more informaton and a link to the application. The deadline to apply is Monday, April 21, 2025.
Lisa Nelson Memorial Scholarship
Lisa Nelson Memorial Scholarship
Lisa Nelson was a physical education teacher and the head volleyball coach at Ralston Valley from 2000-2013. On March 3, 2013, she lost her life after a 2-year battle with cervical cancer. She was 43. To commemorate her life and to ensure others are touched by the legacy she left behind, the "Lisa Nelson Memorial Scholarship" has been established. This year, a Ralston Valley High School student athlete will be awarded a $5000 college scholarship in Lisa's memory. Click here to apply. The deadline to apply is May 9, 2025.
Lisa Nelson was a physical education teacher and the head volleyball coach at Ralston Valley from 2000-2013. On March 3, 2013, she lost her life after a 2-year battle with cervical cancer. She was 43. To commemorate her life and to ensure others are touched by the legacy she left behind, the "Lisa Nelson Memorial Scholarship" has been established. This year, a Ralston Valley High School student athlete will be awarded a $5000 college scholarship in Lisa's memory. Click here to apply. The deadline to apply is May 9, 2025.
Sierra Elementary PTA Scholarship
Sierra Elementary PTA Scholarship
The Sierra Elementary School PTA is offering up to $2,000 in scholarship awards. Awards offered will range from $500 to $1,000. Applicants must have attended Sierra Elementary for at least one year and funds may be used for post-secondary education at a two- or four-year college or university, technical school, or professional certificate program. Click here for an application. The deadline to apply is May 1, 2025.
The Sierra Elementary School PTA is offering up to $2,000 in scholarship awards. Awards offered will range from $500 to $1,000. Applicants must have attended Sierra Elementary for at least one year and funds may be used for post-secondary education at a two- or four-year college or university, technical school, or professional certificate program. Click here for an application. The deadline to apply is May 1, 2025.
Outdoor Lab Foundation Scholarship
Outdoor Lab Foundation Scholarship
The Outdoor Lab Foundation is offering three $2,000 scholarships to senior students who have served as High School Leaders or Interns at Mount Blue Sky or Windy Peak. Students can use the award at any private or public vocational training program, college, or university. Click here for the application. The deadline to apply is May 4, 2025.
The Outdoor Lab Foundation is offering three $2,000 scholarships to senior students who have served as High School Leaders or Interns at Mount Blue Sky or Windy Peak. Students can use the award at any private or public vocational training program, college, or university. Click here for the application. The deadline to apply is May 4, 2025.
Hazel Health
Hazel Health
Mental, social, and emotional wellness of students is a priority that we share with our community and one that we are addressing with layers of support including school counselors, social-emotional learning specialists, school psychologists, social workers along with partnerships with outside agencies like Hazel Health.
This year, we continue our partnership with Hazel Health’s Telehealth services to provide a free telehealth extension of mental and physical health support for Jeffco students enrolled at district-managed schools.
Parents/guardians may access these services on behalf of your student by visiting this webpage and following the instructions under "Steps to Access Care"
Advisement Corner
Advisement Corner
Advisement
Next week in 10th grade Advisement classes, the final Healthy Schools lesson for the year will be taught by School Resource Office Nicole Deering. In 9th grade Advisement classes, Peer Counselors will do a presentation with strategies for coping with failure.
Please click HERE to access the course syllabus for Advisement which explains the purpose, key components, and expectations, including grading and attendance.
Reminder - If your student has Advisement on Thursday mornings, it will be from 8:15 to 9:00 a.m. before the start of I.C.E.
Ralston Valley Happenings
Ralston Valley Happenings
Mustang Artists' Work Wins Awards
RV artists in Ms Bell's Photography classes earned awards for their awesome work at the Jeffco Art Show! Their materpieces are on display at the Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities from April 11- May 11. Great job!
Freshman Hazel Corrion - first place in Graphic Design, the image is her cat and she also wrote the poetry.
Sophomore Ava Vlcek - third place in Altered Digital Photography, overlapping photos create one large image.
Sophomore Giada Work - first place in Non-altered Digital Photography, illustrating shadows in an abstract way.
Intermediate and Advanced Ceramics students have been participating in the pot-throwing Olympics in class.
SAT Review in English
Ms.Hirt's Juniors are studying for the English section of the upcoming SAT test using a grammar elements matching game.
Business Law Students Learn About Property Law and Imminent Domain
This week in Business Law, students stepped into the roles of attorneys, government officials, and property owners as they engaged in lively class debates on two complex legal concepts: eminent domain and adverse possession. With well-researched arguments and professional delivery, students explored the balance between individual property rights and public interest, sharpening their critical thinking and public speaking skills in the process. The debates sparked thoughtful discussions and gave students a real-world glimpse into the legal reasoning behind property law.
Ralston Valley Senior Awarded Scholarship
Ralston Valley Senior Isabella Del Barco was awarded the Jefferson Country Education Association Excellence Fund Scholarship, which provides $4000 over four years of college to a Jeffco Public Schools student pursuing a career in education. We are very proud of her!
Unified Prom
Last Saturday, the first Ralston Valley/Arvada West Unified Prom was held at Arvada West HS. Students from both Significant Special Needs programs were joined by their families, as well as staff and Peer Mentors from both schools. It was a Star Wars Theme, and it was truly "Out of this World". Both schools are looking forward to making this an annual event and are hoping to add additional Jeffco schools in the future!
Administration
Administration
Principal - Ms. Buenning, (303) 982-5600
9th Asst Principal - Ms. Young, (303) 982-5713
10th Asst Principal - Ms. Abrams, (303) 982-9463
11th Asst Principal - Mr. Ackerman (303) 982-5595
12th Asst Principal - Mr. Litzau, (303) 982-5611
Athletics Director - Mr. Pergola, (303) 982-5604
Dean - Mr. Duplice, (303) 982-8274
Important Links
Important Links
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